Estate Planning Course

Estate Planning: The Importance of Wills and Trusts will be held at the Southern Outreach Center in Oakland on September 29 and October 6 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. An estate plan provides the legal mechanism for disposing of property upon death in a way that recognizes the wishes and needs of one?s survivors, while minimizing taxes. The course also discusses planning for the handling of affairs in case of disability, and the personal medical choices to be made as life nears its end. This two-part course will address the common questions regarding wills and trusts. Part one (Sept 29) will center on wills and probate and will be instructed by Rita Watson, Register of Wills for Garrett County. The class will focus on common issues one may face, including the purpose of having a will, how to draft a will, choosing an executor and the probate process and determining if it is necessary for an estate. Part two (Oct 6) will provide an overview on some of the more noticeable legal and financial issues associated with growing old and will be instructed by Grantsville native Brandon James Hoover. Hoover is an attorney at the Law Office of Donald S. Goldbloom and an assistant professor at Allegany College of Maryland. Included in the discussion will be trust basics with a definition of terms and its variations. Other topics will include preserving and managing assets for a safe and secure retirement, staying in and protecting a home, long-term care insurance, medical assistance and paying for nursing home care. There will also be discussion of the legal documents all seniors should have such as a will, power of attorney and advanced medical directives.